Day of intense hardship as mothers mourn children lost in war and children face day without their mothers.
While much of the Middle East celebrated Mother’s Day with flowers and gifts this weekend, in Gaza, the occasion served as a painful reminder of precious lives lost.
Sitting in her tent in Gaza City on Saturday, Em Rami Dawwas remembered the three sons she lost in Israeli attacks, two of whose bodies are still being withheld by the authorities.
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“I miss my sons on Mother’s Day. They used to bring me gifts, flowers, sweets, and ask me about my needs. They were the light of my life,” she said, sitting among boxes filled with their clothes, which she cannot bring herself to throw away.
Palestinian children have borne the brunt of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza that began in October 2023, with UNICEF estimating in October last year that 64,000 children have been killed and wounded in Israeli attacks.
Reporting from among the tents in Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary said Dawwas kept the photos of her sons under her pillow, looking at them every day, “as if holding on will keep their memory alive”.
Many mothers spend the day in graveyards, sitting in the only place they can feel close to their dead children, said Khoudary.
‘I just wanted to make her happy’
Maram Ahmed faced a second Mother’s Day without her mother, who she lost in an Israeli air attack that killed her entire family. Her mother was her closest friend, said Khoudary.
“On Mother’s Day, even if I didn’t have money, I would buy my mum a gift from my allowance, even if it was for less than a dollar. I just wanted to make her happy,” said the 14-year-old, sitting in her sparse tent.
“I feel so sad when I see other children with their mothers, but I don’t show it,” she said.
A report published by rights group Amnesty International this month highlighted the “brutal price” women and girls have paid during the war, which started in October 2023. Two years later, Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas agreed to a fragile “ceasefire” that the former has repeatedly violated.
“Amid Israel’s deliberate imposition of conditions of life calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza, Palestinian women face compounded and life-threatening consequences,” said the report.
It cited ongoing mass displacement, the collapse of reproductive, maternal and neonatal healthcare, the interruption of treatment for chronic illness, heightened exposure to disease and unsafe and undignified living conditions faced by women, as well as “profound physical and mental harm”.
Since the October 2025 “ceasefire”, Israeli attacks have killed more than 650 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to recent figures from the Ministry of Health.
Overall, Israeli attacks have killed more than 72,000 people since the start of the war.
Sophie Habboo has been left sobbing after a Mother’s Day present backfiredCredit: TikTok / jamielaingHer husband Jamie Laing bought her a photo album of their son ZiggyCredit: TikTok / jamielaing
However, things didn’t end up going so well when Jamie presented his wife with a photo album of their son.
The former Made in Chelsea took to TikTok to share a video to capture the moment in question.
In the short clip, Sophie, 31, is seen bawling her eyes out as Jamie, 37, asks: “Wait, why are you upset?”
As she holds her head in her hands, she emotionally expresses: “He’s never going to be that small.”
He captioned the post: “Reminder… Don’t make your wife a photo album of your newborn baby for Mother’s Day.”
Fans flocked to the comments section as one said: “So valid. You blink and they aren’t the little baby you brought home.”
Another person commented: “That’s the baby bond burrowing it’s way through all the tired days, the hard times and the cray cray. It’s painfully beautiful.”
Somebody else penned: “Bless her, we all know this feeling but the best is yet to come as his little personality develops.
“The days are long but the years are short so just treasure every second.”
Yet another follower gushed: “That’s so sweet. Bless your heart Sophie you’re such a lovely mum.”
While a fifth social media user added: “This was me yesterday, sending you a big hug Sophie.”
The pair announced the arrival of their first child back in December as they took to Instagram to share the news.
Alongside a photo of their baby boy, Jamie wrote: “Ziggy, you have our whole hearts.”
They were flooded with messages from fans and famous pals as Rylan Clark said: “Congrats you two xxx.”
They welcomed Ziggy in December last yearCredit: Instagram
“Congratulations guys,” weighed in Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse. “A new journey begins.”
“Oh my goodness so many congratulations. So excited for you and this amazing new chapter for you all! Biggest hugs,” added This Morning regular Alice Liveing.
Sophie recently opened up about her motherhood journey while attending the Brit Awards with Jamie earlier this month.
During an interview with Chloe Burrows for KISS FM, she was asked: “Is there anything you’re not loving about being a new mum?”
The new mother responded: “The constant mum guilt.”
“You just feel guilty for being here, but then feel guilty… yeah, that’s not good.”
While Jamie added: “The hardest thing about having a baby is the burping.”
Rolling her eyes, Sophie chimed in: “The mums do everything.”
But to that, Jamie claimed: “I mean, this is a joke.”
Moments later, Sophie then shared: “I have the better instincts.”
Stunned by his wife’s claims, Jamie clapped back and snapped: “No, I have better instincts.”
Joking around, the Made in Chelsea icon laughed: “I feel him. I can feel him right now.”
She recently opened up about facing mum guiltCredit: Instagram
WEARING protective suits, masks, hats and gloves, we approach the buzzing hive in front of us.
The Canarian black bee, our guide tells us, is a hardy species adapted perfectly to the high heat and dry lands that make up Lanzarote’s volcanic climate.
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Puerto del Carmen beachCredit: AlamyThe pool at Seaside Los JameosCredit: SuppliedHannah goes full beekeeperCredit: Supplied
My mum Rhona and I seem to have adapted pretty well ourselves, as we soak up the last of the afternoon sun.
The fourth-largest Canary Island, Lanzarote was the ideal destination for a pre-Mother’s Day trip, with its year-round “eternal spring” climate, lunar-like landscapes and white-sand beaches.
While a fly-and-flop holiday is always tempting, particularly when it’s 21C, I was determined to include some bonding experiences during our visit.
And our beekeeping tour was just that. Ahead of reaching the hive, our guide taught us all about the insects that live there.
Then, after shedding our protective suits, we were treated to samples of the organic honey, taking note of the sightly different flavours depending on which plants the bees had visited.
We felt fully connected to the surrounding nature.
When we weren’t off exploring, we could relax at the 4H Seaside Los Jameos, in Puerto del Carmen, one of the island’s most popular resorts.
With its beachfront location, palm tree-lined pools, gym, spa and cactus gardens, the recently renovated hotel is an oasis within the town, with plenty of activities on site.
I’m lucky enough to have a mother who can run rings around me, so we started each day with a jog on the beach.
I picked up pace as the week progressed, but never quite managed to catch up with my mum.
It was the perfect way to work up an appetite for the plentiful buffet breakfast.
The Sun’s Hannah Hope and mum RhonaCredit: SuppliedA bee gets busyCredit: Alamy
My highlights were the mimosa station, with crisp cava and freshly squeezed orange juice, and the DIY waffle machines.
In the evenings, guests can expect live entertainment from acts such as an ABBA tribute band, as well as magic shows and children’s discos.
Outside of the hotel, nearby restaurants included beachfront tapas joint Restaurante El Molino, which was within walking distance, and Sebastyan’s Atlantico Lounge on the water (be sure to arrive in time for the stunning sunset).
Lanzarote also has a thriving plonk scene, with wineries dotted all around the island.
Our final First Choice excursion took us on a tasting and museum tour at Bodega Finca Mota, a charming family-run winery surrounded by Lanzarote’s distinctive volcanic landscape, where grapes grow in the black sand.
We started our visit with an introduction to vintage winemaking tools in the museum, before sitting down for some sipping.
We tasted three different wines accompanied by locally-produced cheese and traditionally-cured tuna, and enjoyed it so much we bought a bottle each to take home.
On our final day, we decided to explore the picturesque village of Yaiza, famed for its beautifully maintained whitewashed houses and palm-lined streets.
Mum and I both love to shop, so we enjoyed a potter around the boutiques selling jewellery and ceramics and found a delightful cafe to have coffee and baked goods.
Literally the cherry on top of the cake to end a dreamy Mother’s Day getaway.
GO: LANZAROTE
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ half-board at the 4* Seaside Los Jameos is from £719pp including flights from Manchester on April 30.
SPRING is blooming and what better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than heading out in the sunshine and making use of some ‘mums go free’ deals to top attractions.
I love heading out with my boys, but sometimes it can cost a lot by the time I pay for myself and them.
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Lots of attractions across the UK offer free entry to mums on Mother’s DayCredit: Catherine LofthouseFor example you could head to Gulliver’s LandCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
But when it comes to Mother’s Day, my secret weapon is heading to spots that have a ‘mums go free’ offer.
The offers celebrate Mother’s Day but is a great opportunity for having a fun family day out whilst saving a bit of cash.
One of our favourites as a family is Audley End miniature railway near Saffron Walden in Essex, which is about to launch a new play village in time for its reopening.
Now known as Audley End Enchanted Railway, it’s a must-visit for fans of all things fairy, as the train ride is full of magical moments winding through the woodlands.
There’s an adventure playground and an elf and fairy walk as well as the new wooden play houses.
And this Mother’s Day weekend, both mums and grandmothers go free.
Just across the road is one of the historic houses looked after by English Heritage.
This year, Mothering Sunday falls during the National Lottery Week, which means free entry to English Heritage sites between March 7 and 15 with a lottery ticket.
At Audley End House and Gardens, one adult and two children can get free entry with each lottery ticket, so you could easily combine the English Heritage deal with the mums go free offer at the miniature railway for a full day of family fun.
While National Trust properties in England and Wales are also taking part in the National Lottery Open Week, many don’t offer free entry on Mothering Sunday, so that’s something to bear in mind.
But there are a number of other big names participating in National Lottery Open Week, such as several RSPB destinations around the UK.
What’s great about lottery week is that it’s not specific to mums – so if you’ve got an important person who you want to celebrate on Mothering Sunday, you can treat them, whoever they are.
As for other offers, you can head to Gulliver’s theme parks and get one adult entry for free with each paying child on March 14 and 15.
We always have a great time when we visit Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes, which is perfect for a first theme park visit if you’ve got little ones who haven’t been on rides before.
Or you could head to a farm and enjoy the first signs of springCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
We especially love the JCB zone near the entrance, which has a covered picnic area where mums can have a coffee while the kids keep themselves occupied with diggers galore.
There are also Gulliver’s sites in Matlock Bath in Derbyshire and in Warrington, so you’re spoilt for choice if you want a fun day out.
These aren’t the only theme parks with offers for Mother’s Day either.
Other attractions include Drayton Manor near Tamworth and Flamingo Land in Yorkshire, both of which let mums go free on Mother’s Day with a full paying child.
Loads of farm parks around the country get in on the act of offering mums free entry and March is the perfect time of year for a visit, with lots of baby animals being born.
Bluebell Dairy near Derby is one example, where my little boy particularly enjoyed the huge jumping pillow and watching the cows in the milking parlour before sampling the ice cream that the farm is famous for.
Some farms are even giving mums a little gift as well as free entry.
Rand Farm Park near Lincoln, lets mums take home a potted plant to mark their special day, while at Thornton Hall Country Park near Skipton, mother figures will be offered a free glass of prosecco or orange juice.
The best way to find somewhere near you is to simply Google search ‘mums go free offer near me’, and you should discover a number of spots where you can save some money this Mother’s Day.
20 attractions with ‘mums go free’ offers
HERE are 20 attractions offering free entry for Mother’s Day next weekend:
Amberley Museum, West Sussex
Cotswold Farm Park
Monk Park Farm, North Yorkshire
Wookey Hole
Longleat
Anne of Cleves House
Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens
Lewes Castle and Museum
Michelham Priory House and Gardens
The Priest House and Gardens
Wheelgate Park, Newark and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire
The Thames Tunnel was built by Marc Brunel alongside his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel and hundreds of workers.
It was originally a pedestrian tunnel with lots of shops and entertainment, and then it was later converted into a train tunnel, which the Windrush Line now uses.
As part of your visit, you can head 40 feet underground into the Tunnel Shaft.
Tickets need to be booked in advance via the Museum’s website, using the code ‘LOTTERY26’.
English Heritage Bolsover Castle, Bolsover
Bolsover Castle was once an aristocratic retreat during the 17th century.
Inside, there are wall paintings and lavish interiors, and outside you can explore the Fountain Garden, which is designed around a statue of Venus and features lots of flowers.
If you have kids, there is a play area as well and a tearoom.
It’s not required to book in advance, but use the code ‘NLOPENWEEK26’ to gain free entry.
It is part of the National Lottery’s Open WeekCredit: Getty
Free Family Swims at The Lenton Centre, Nottingham
Between 2:30pm and 3:30pm on Mother’s Day, families can go swimming at The Lenton Centre in Nottingham.
It’s a family swim session so you can master your swimming skills or splash and play.
As spaces are limited, booking in advance is recommended and you just need to bring your swimming gear and a towel.
You’ll learn about the ancient craft, whilst also getting hands-on experience.
The workshop is ideal for beginners or even those with some willow weaving experience that want to learn new techniques.
And what’s better is that you get to take home your creation.
All materials and tools are included, and there are two sessions on Mother’s Day – one starting at 10am and another starting at 2pm.
The workshop will take place at Mingle Cafe Bridgewater and is for over 18s.
To get into the attractions, you will need to show proof of purchasing a National Lottery ticket or instant gameCredit: Getty
Abbotsford, The home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose
Each day between March 7 and 15 from 12pm, you can head on a free tour of Abbotsford House, which was once home to Sir Walter Scott.
While you do have to pay for admission to Abbotsford, which is £16.20 per adult and gives you access to the house and gardens, the guided tour will be free when you present a National Lottery ticket.
English Heritage Housesteads Roman Fort & Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Housesteads is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain and can be found midway along Hadrian’s Wall.
The fort was built around AD 122, which is when work on Hadrian’s Wall began.
Over the decades, excavations have revealed major buildings, defences and even a settlement just outside the walls of the fort.
And you will even be able to see the oldest toilets in Britain!
You don’t need to book in advance but you can do online if you want to by using the code ‘NLOPENWEEK26’.
For example, you can head to the most complete example of a Roman fort in BritainCredit: Alamy
Historic Royal Palaces Hampton Court Palace, London
If you don’t mind celebrating Mother’s Day a day early, then you can head to Hampton Court Palace in London.
Whilst not free, you can get 50 per cent off tickets for up to two adults and four children.
You can explore Tudor kitchens, see amazing architecture and wander through 60 acres of gardens.
Booking online in advance is essential, and you will need to enter the code ‘LOTTERY50’ to benefit from the promotion.
Or head to the royal Hampton Court PalaceCredit: Getty
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Fancy doing something a little out of the ordinary? Well, you can go on a tour of the projection box at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh.
This unique opportunity allows visitors to see how real film projection works and explore the hidden areas of a film house.
Places are limited to 10 per tour and you’ll need to book your space via the Filmhouse website.
Eden Project, Cornwall
From March 7 to 15, you can get free entry to the Eden Project in Cornwall.
What says Mother’s Day more than flowers? Well, exploring thousands of them alongside other tropical plants.
The Eden Project is also home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, so you can investigate plants from further afield.
You’ll need to book a free day entry ticket on the website, and then show your National Lottery ticket on arrival.
If your mother loves gardening, head to the Eden ProjectCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
Perfect if you are spending Mother’s Day with children, Witley Court and Gardens boasts exciting woodland trails, sprawling gardens and a wilderness play area.
Witley Court once used to be a Victorian party palace, and inside the audio tour will bring the mansion’s party days to life.
To get free entry, simply show up with a National Lottery ticket or proof of a game.
